Meaning & use
logistics
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Meanings
noununcountable
The detailed planning and organizing needed to move people, goods, or supplies where they are needed.
Grammar: Usually takes a singular verb: logistics is complex, though a plural verb is also seen.
Patterns
- the logistics of something
- handle the logistics
The logistics of moving the circus were complicated.
She handles logistics for the entire festival.
Good logistics keep shelves stocked.
nounpluralinformal
The practical arrangements needed to carry out any plan, such as time, place, and transport.
Grammar: Often plural in this looser sense: the logistics of the trip are difficult.
Patterns
- sort out the logistics
- the logistics of doing something
We still need to work out the logistics of the wedding.
The logistics of getting everyone there on time are tricky.
They discussed the logistics over lunch.
noununcountablemilitaryspecialist
The branch of military activity that deals with supplying and moving troops and equipment.
Grammar: A specialist sense used in military and business contexts.
Patterns
- military logistics
Army logistics depends on roads and railways.
He served in logistics during the war.
Supply logistics decided the campaign.
Common combinations
- handle the logistics
- Mia handled the logistics of the conference.
- logistics company
- A logistics company delivers our parcels.
- logistics chain
- A broken logistics chain delayed the shipment.
- work out the logistics
- We need to work out the logistics first.
- logistical nightmare
- The festival turned into a logistical nightmare.
- supply chain logistics
- Supply chain logistics rely on tracking software.
Synonyms and how they differ
- organization
- Organization is general, whereas logistics is specifically about moving and supplying.
- planning
- Planning is about deciding what to do, while logistics is about the practical arrangements to carry it out.
- arrangements
- Arrangements is a looser everyday word for what needs to be set up.
- coordination
- Coordination stresses making parts work together.
Word family
- logistical adjective
- relating to logistics
- logistically adverb
- in a way that relates to practical organization
- logistician noun
- a person who specializes in logistics
Commonly confused: logistics or logic?
logistics vs logic
Logic is reasoning, while logistics is practical planning. They share a spelling start but different meanings.
Practice
Which job is most related to logistics?
Choose one answer.
Logistics is about organizing the movement of goods and supplies, which fits planning deliveries.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “logistics”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.